Tightened traffic rules in Spain

Stricter traffic rules in Spain from 2025: what you need to know?

From 2025, traffic regulations in Spain will be tightened considerably, and it is important that both local cyclists and tourists prepare themselves for the new regulations. The changes are aimed at increasing road safety for cyclists, a growing and popular group of road users. In this blog article, we will take you through the most important changes, including the adjusted helmet requirement, rules for overtaking cyclists and the requirement of reflective clothing in poor visibility. We will also share a special offer to get you on the road safely!

Helmet requirement for cyclists

From 2025, there will be changes in the regulations regarding the wearing of bicycle helmets in Spain. The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) has announced that wearing a helmet on interurban roads (outside built-up areas) will be mandatory for all cyclists, with no exceptions, except for medical reasons. Previously, exceptions were allowed, such as on long climbs or in extreme heat, but these will be abolished.

As for making helmets mandatory for adults in built-up areas, there is currently no national requirement. However, some municipalities, such as Zaragoza and A Coruña, have introduced local regulations that make helmets mandatory for all cyclists, regardless of age. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines of up to €200.

With these adjusted regulations, it is important to purchase a suitable bicycle helmet. Lacros offers a protective helmet that meets the safety standards, and it is now temporarily attractively priced! Take advantage of the offer and buy a bicycle helmet for only €29.95 (normally €70). This way you are not only safe, but also cheap! View and order the bicycle helmet here: https://www.lacros.nl/en/lacros-bicycle-helmet.html

Overtaking cyclists safely

Another important change is the regulation regarding overtaking cyclists. Drivers of motor vehicles must keep more distance when overtaking cyclists. The new bill obliges motorists to keep at least 1.5 meters distance when overtaking a cyclist. This measure is intended to protect cyclists from unsafe situations and accidents, especially on busy or narrow roads.

In addition, a new rule will be introduced from 2025 that will adjust the speed of vehicles when overtaking cyclists. The maximum speed at which a vehicle may overtake a cyclist will be 20 kilometres per hour lower than the speed limit on the road in question. This is an important measure to ensure that motorists have sufficient time to safely overtake a cyclist, without the risk of accidents due to excessive speed.

New rules for motorists and cyclists

From 2025, motorists in urban areas must maintain a minimum safety distance of 5 metres when riding behind a cyclist. This ensures that cyclists have sufficient space to cycle safely, especially in busy city environments. This rule contributes to the protection of cyclists and helps prevent dangerous situations.

In addition, there is a new rule that regulates the overtaking of other vehicles by cyclists in traffic jams. Cyclists are now allowed to overtake other vehicles on both the right and the left to improve the flow of traffic. This ensures that cyclists can move faster through busy city streets without having to pass dangerously close to stationary vehicles.

Reflective clothing in poor visibility

In addition, there will be an obligation for cyclists to wear reflective clothing when visibility is poor, for example at dusk, in the rain or in fog. Cyclists who are not visible enough run a greater risk of accidents, especially in the dark or in bad weather. Reflective clothing ensures that you are more visible to other road users.

Conclusion

With the stricter traffic regulations in Spain from 2025, it is essential that you are well prepared when you hit the road. The adjusted helmet requirement, the rules for overtaking cyclists, the new safety distances and the obligation to wear reflective clothing in poor visibility are important measures that contribute to the safety of cyclists. Prepare well for these changes and ensure that you comply with the new rules.